Crossword Genius

Withdrawal of power defending player (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pullback

'withdrawal' is the definition.
(I know that pullback is a type of withdrawal)

'power defending player' is the wordplay.
'power' becomes 'pull' (pull can mean power or influence).
'defending player' becomes 'back' (eg in football).
'pull'+'back'='PULLBACK'

'of' is the link.

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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